Burglars ‘forfeit human rights’

Burglars “leave their human rights outside” the moment they break in to someone else’s property, Tory leader
David Cameron said.

He said that a Conservative government would strengthen the law to protect householders who exercise their “legitimate” right to self-defence when confronted by an intruder.

Burglars “leave their human rights outside” the moment they break in to someone elses property, Tory leader David Cameron said

“It’s to make sure that fewer cases, frankly, are taken to court, that fewer people are arrested for doing what I think is perfectly legitimate, which is to defend yourself in your own home,” he told the BBC1 Politics Show.

“The moment a burglar steps over your threshold, and invades your property, with all the threat that gives to you, your family and your livelihood, I think they leave their human rights outside.”

Mr Cameron has previously spoken out on the issue after TV presenter Myleene Klass complained that she was cautioned by police for waving a knife at intruders who entered her garden.

He said that under the Conservative proposals, householders would only face prosecution if they used “grossly disproportionate” force against a burglar.

“You’re raising the bar effectively, that will be a good step forward,” he said.